Wigan did something very rare last week away at Castleford as they defeated the Tigers a week after a Wembley win becoming only the third side in a decade to win their first game after lifting the Challenge Cup.
It was a signal of intent from Matt Peet’s Wigan side who have now set their sights on the Super League title and will look to keep St Helens under pressure at the top with a win here against the Red Devils.
The last time these two met it was a brilliant game decided by a piece of magic from Jai Field. That was during a run of games in which Salford really found their rhythm but their good form came to an end last week against Hull KR. Can they bounce back?
Team News
Salford are still without forwards Greg Burke, Shane Wright, King Vuniyayawa and James Greenwood whilst Ryan Lannon also joins the list of absentees for this game. Rhys Williams is back in contention however. So, in terms of personnel, things remain largely the same then – Paul Rowley will be hoping for a very different performance though. There is a decision to make at nine though with former Warrior Amir Bourouh playing there last week but with Andy Ackers available.
Matt Peet has made just one change to his 21-man squad as well with Iain Thornley dropping out with an MCL injury. Thomas Leuluai is back in contention after a well deserved rest last week following a key role in cup final success straight on the back of his return from injury. Morgan Smithies is still suspended.
Match Preview – Key Battles:
Ryan Brierley vs Jai Field: In that rip-roaring 30-24 win for Wigan against the Red Devils, I identified this as a key battle and it proved as such with both fullbacks conjuring up key moments but it was Field’s brilliance that was decisive. Surely the dynamic fullback will return to his favoured position this week and reek havoc in open field?
Brodie Croft vs Harry Smith: That game at the DW Stadium really showed what Brodie Croft could do and was part of the run of games that underlined his potential. Capable of creating openings, his battle with Harry Smith should be brilliant with Smith proving himself to be one of Wigan’s key attacking players recently especially in the final.
Liam Farrell vs Kallum Watkins: Liam Farrell just goes from strength to strength but he’ll be up against a player with as much experience and silverware to his name in Kallum Watkins who has evolved into a very handy backrow. It should be an interesting battle between two backrows with attacking potential.
Where the game will be won and lost:
Salford need to replicate their away performance against Wigan if they want to win whilst Wigan will be hoping to be much more clinical this time round. Ultimately, recent events may have the biggest barring on this game. Wigan are on cloud nine whilst Salford came crashing down to earth last week and that may allow the Warriors to stamp out the Red Devils’ resistance early on.
Score Prediction: Salford Red Devils 12-36 Wigan Warriors
